Memorandum by the Landscape Institute
(HIS 37)
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Landscape Institute welcomes the
decision by the Transport, Local Government and the Regions Committee
to conduct an inquiry into the role of historic buildings and
public spaces in urban regeneration. The Landscape Institute is
committed to playing its part in achieving the renaissance of
all our urban areas, towns, cities and suburbs, and passionately
believes that the delivery of high quality living environments
is absolutely central to that objective.
2. THE LANDSCAPE
INSTITUTE
2.1 The Landscape Institute is the Chartered
Institute in the UK for Landscape Architects, incorporating designers,
managers and scientists, concerned with enhancing and conserving
the environment. The Landscape Institute promotes the highest
standards in the practice of landscape planning design and management,
representing members in private practice, at all levels of government
and government agencies, in academic institutions and commercial
organisations.
2.2 Formed in 1929, the Landscape Institute
has an international reputation for providing high level expertise
in a range of topic areas including: The form, scale and siting
of new developments, in both the private and public sector; local
and strategic landscape planning guidance and policy; urban regeneration
schemes; landscape and townscape character assessments; design
and project management of town and city squares and streets; historic
landscape conservation and management.
3. REGENERATION
AND SENSE
OF PLACE
3.1 Regeneration is at the heart of the
debate about improving the quality of life of all those who live
and work in our towns and cities. It is the natural ally of conservation
and is one of the most tangible expressions of sustainability.
3.2 Whether it is improving economic competitiveness,
achieving social inclusion or creating attractive environments,
urban regeneration is about making the most of our towns and cities,
the people and the places. Successful urban regeneration is about
achieving this in a way that celebrates local distinctiveness.
3.3 The historic environment helps to define
the character and identity of urban areas and the people who live
there. The historic environment is complex and it is impossible
to identify any one element, archaeology, landscape, culture or
tradition that on its own can be said to imbue a place with uniqueness.
The historic environment and local character is about layers being
bound together. To separate out these layers is to risk misunderstanding
the whole. However, communities recognise in historic buildings
and public spaces a local heritage that is immediate and understandable,
and it is right to consider the special role that these elements
play.
4. DEFINITIONS
4.1 The Landscape Institute considers that
it is imperative that the Inquiry adopts a broad definition of
what is meant by historic buildings and public spaces. Historic
buildings and public spaces must be recognised as an integral
part of the urban landscape, their vitality and viability inextricably
linked with the diversity of uses that surround them. They cannot
be considered as discrete elements. Full recognition of the contribution
of historic buildings and spaces in the public and private realm
needs to be made. The inquiry also needs to consider the growing
number of publicly accessible but privately controlled spaces
in our urban areas. From the shuttered shopping mall to the less
obvious "gated" residential area, these places have
a profound effect on the way in which our urban areas work. The
visual amenity enjoyed by the community of buildings and spaces
with no public access should also not be understated.
4.2 The value of our more remarkable historic
buildings and public spaces relies on the everyday ensemble of
familiar buildings and places. The one provides the context for
the other. The Urban Green Spaces Taskforce final report "Green
Spaces, Better Places" provides a comprehensive typology
of urban open and green space. The Landscape Institute commends
this typology to the inquiry in determining a definition of public
spaces.
5. HISTORIC BUILDINGS
AND PUBLIC
SPACES AS
CATALYSTS FOR
CHANGE
5.1 Making the most of our historic buildings
and public spaces is integral to successful urban regeneration.
This has been mantra for some strategic authorities and organisations
for many years, indeed it is a principle embedded in the core
values of the Landscape Institute. However, it has emerged as
a consistent and strong message in national and regional guidance
since the early 1990's. That there continues to be a need to question
the role and potential of historic buildings and public spaces
to contribute to urban renaissance is disturbing. This is especially
so given the conclusions of the recently published final report
of The Urban Green Spaces Taskforce. Advocates for the role of
historic buildings in urban regeneration have enjoyed similarly
high profile opportunities to press their claim.
5.2 The conditions for urban regeneration
will only be achieved through "joined-up" working at
Central Government level. The Landscape Institute welcomed the
Government Statement "The Historic Environment: A force for
Our Future". However, the recent splitting of the DTLR is
a frustration for those seeking an integrated approach across
the lead departments to the role of the historic environment in
regeneration. The potential for historic buildings and public
spaces to act as a catalyst for change, and its value as a vehicle
for a cross-cutting approach to urban regeneration, may seem obvious,
but the Inquiry's invitation suggests that a review might be beneficial:
5.3 Historic buildings and public spaces
represent a significant economic resource. Well designed, of high
quality, and well cared for, they are proven attractors for visitors
and investors. Renewed interest in the urban environment engendered
in this way brings wider economic benefit, it raises the profile
of urban living and creates a market for residential refurbishment
and conversion. Employment opportunities are created, future housing
needs are met, and conservation and traditional building skills
are boosted. Historic buildings and public spaces provide venues
for commercial activity. Market squares, civic spaces, drives,
and lanes can bring to life the ancient links between our urban
areas and the rural hinterland. They can provide meaningful context
for farmers markets and enhance the position of those trading
on local identity. Local character is a potent marketing tool,
an original USP. It provides a cue for the development of niche
markets.
5.4 Historic buildings and public spaces
help make places understandable by providing a record of the history
of the local environment. They underpin the sense of place, they
provide a sense of continuity and above all a sense of belonging.
This is as true of the commonplace Victorian terrace, street and
municipal gardens as it is of the grand urban villa and landscaped
park.
5.5 Historic buildings and public spaces
act as a landmark to those navigating through the layout, or the
evolution, of the area. They can provide object lessons in the
response to the sense of place, use of indigenous materials, the
importance of local craft traditions, adaptability through time,
and the importance of human scale. Public spaces, parks and open
spaces, and tree-lined streets make a vital ecological contribution
to urban areas. Public spaces help to interpret the role of historic
buildings and vice versa. They are a unique resource offering
a range of educational opportunities.
5.6 Historic buildings and public spaces
are often seen as the "property" of the local community
and as such issues concerning them have the power to bring people
together. They can excite a level of interest that few other elements
of our urban environment can manage. They encourage involvement
and participation, and build the capacity in the community that
is essential for social regeneration. They provide new ways for
local authorities, and the voluntary sector, to engage and work
with people in association with community plans.
5.7 Historic buildings and public spaces
can reinvigorate regeneration strategies. Their inclusion in regeneration
strategies brings new partners, and funding opportunities, and
encourage different perspectives to be taken on unlocking the
potential of our urban areas. The imaginative reuse of historic
buildings and the creation of architecture or public spaces in
historic settings often inspires high quality and innovative solutions
that provide a benchmark for urban redevelopment. Historic buildings
and public spaces provide prominent indicators to local quality,
investment in them inspires confidence and attracts further investment,
high quality attracts high quality, and neighbouring property
values rise.
5.8 New public spaces can inspire regeneration.
The power of new squares, streets, parks and public places to
turn-round peoples negative perception of towns, cities and suburbs
is well established with oft quoted examples in this country and
in mainland Europe. As much as architectural flagship projects,
new public spaces can act as a leitmotif for an urban area. They
are high profile evidence of investment, and expressions of confidence
in both the location and the value of high quality design. Contemporary
design is a statement of conviction that places should be defined
by current generations as much as by the past. Most of all new
public spaces reassert the importance of society in civic life.
5.9 Historic buildings and public spaces
that are well connected and accessible demonstrate the benefits
of social inclusion. They provide routes to connect communities
and venues where people can meet on an equal basis. They can contribute
to a more dynamic, and interconnected, approach to mobility initiatives,
home-zones, safe routes to school, traffic calming, greenways
and quiet lanes. Attractive and safe streets and spaces encourage
walking and cycling. Environmental quality has an important impact
on social behaviour, health and well-being.
5.10 Historic buildings and public spaces
represent the most considerable environmental resource and opportunity
to demonstrate commitment to the principle of making the best
use of what we have in a way that recognises the special nature
of each place. This is absolutely central to achieving urban regeneration.
6. CHALLENGES
6.1 Investment in historic buildings and
public spaces is down payment on economic, social and physical
regeneration. More work must be done to measure the impact of
these elements on urban regeneration. However, there is enough
evidence to demonstrate the importance of grasping the opportunities
in front of us. The Landscape Institute sets out the following
challenges:
6.2 Government must ensure that all departments
sign up to the Statement: "The Historic Environment: A Force
for Our Future".
6.3 Government should be encouraged to move
forward with its review of the structure of Planning Policy Guidance
in order to better reflect the multi-agency, cross-cutting approach
that is required to deliver the quality of life that we need to
achieve urban renaissance.
6.4 Local authorities should be charged
with responsibility for preparing and implementing a coherent
public space strategy that coordinates the broad range of local,
regional and national initiatives that impact on these areas.
The strategy should be informed by a comprehensive character assessment
and integrated with regeneration strategies. Local authorities
should be encouraged to promote opportunities for tree-lined streets
consistent with the strategy and seek stronger protection for
existing examples.
6.5 Government needs to ensure that the
contribution of community conservation groups to important work
on historic buildings and public spaces, and in initiatives like
town centre management groups is encouraged. The need to shield
these groups from the full impact of the recent rise in insurance
premiums is imperative if they are to continue their participation
in this work.
6.6 The Landscape Institute endorses the
recommendations of "Green Spaces, Better Places". However,
Government should consider the remit of any new national agency
for urban parks and green spaces to include championing of all
urban public spaces to which many of the final recommendations
of the Urban Green Spaces Taskforce apply.
6.7 The condition of historic buildings
and the public realm, spaces and streets, is a sensitive barometer
to changes in capital funding, and maintenance and management
regimes. Government should consider a consistent approach to the
application of the principle of "preventative maintenance"
in the local environment. The equalisation of VAT on alterations
and repairs to listed buildings, at least bringing it in to line
with arrangements for churches, would be a significant step forward.
Government should also be encouraged to continue to utilise the
Capital Modernisation Fund to finance improvements to public spaces;
and to increase the level and availability of capital funding
to make significant in-roads into the legacy of investment starved
public spaces and locally important heritage.
6.8 The Commission for Architecture &
the Built Environment (CABE) should be encouraged to extend the
By Design series to include a best practice guide on the design
and layout of high quality public spaces. CABE should be encouraged
to collaborate in the publication of a companion good practice
guide on the management of external public space following completion
of research by the University College London.
6.9 Local authorities should ensure that
work in the public realm is a multi-disciplinary activity. Taking
a narrow or time-limited view of the possible impacts of this
work, and marginalizing specialist input, is short sighted and
counterproductive. The public realm will continue to be valued
only so long as it commands the attention of all those who have
responsibility for it and deliver services in a coordinated way.
Government should ensure that resourcing of this work by local
authorities is properly supported and the necessary skills made
available. Involvement of the community is vital but it is a particularly
resource hungry.
6.10 Local councils and highway authorities
should be encouraged to take greater account of the contribution
of public spaces to multi-modal transport strategies within the
development of Local Transport Plans, thereby tipping the balance
more firmly in favour of pedestrians. Legislation is required
to reduce the disproportionate influence of road signs on our
urban environment. More flexibility is required in the interpretation
of lighting standards in order to achieve light levels appropriate
to the character of the area and to reduce clutter.
6.11 Local authorities should ensure that
historic buildings and public spaces figure significantly in the
development of community plans by Local Strategic Partnerships;
play a key role in local governments response to the new powers
to promote economic, social and environmental well-being; and
be integral with the implementation of local and regional cultural
strategies.
6.12 Local authorities should undertake
comprehensive townscape character assessments of all significant
urban areas to inform strategic planning guidance; to guide more
detailed local development plans as trailed by the Green Paper
last year on the planning system; and to complement the national
landscape character assessment process which is now well advanced.
6.13 Local authorities should be encouraged
to use the character assessment to:
1. Guide the preparation of urban capacity
studies. Urban capacity studies are seen as a major contribution
to breathing new life into urban areas. However, if this is to
be done appropriately, it is important that there is a thorough
understanding of our towns, cities and suburbs. An assessment
of the townscape character and environmental capacity of the area
should be a requirement of each urban capacity study.
2. Inform the preparation of urban design
frameworks as supplementary planning guidance in order to set
out a clear vision of the local environment including historic
buildings and public spaces.
3. Inform the preparation of local lists
identifying "local treasures". That which the community
values in its local environment often includes a long list of
those features that are unlisted and unprotected. These are also
very often unique "signatures" of that place and the
catalyst for distinctive forms of local regeneration. Local lists
should be required of all local plans.
4. Provide a benchmark against which planning
application design statements can be assessed on a consistent
basis and provide a wider context for conservation area appraisals.
6.14 Commissioning agencies and lottery
funding programmes should be directed to seek out and support
the very best examples of contemporary public realm design in
order to provide inspiration and to catalyse action, to raise
the profile of a neglected art and ensure that the aspirations
of current generations are represented in the visible evolution
of our urban areas.
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